Former Jigawa State Governor and prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Sule Lamido, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using state institutions, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), as political weapons to suppress opposition voices and weaken Nigeria’s democratic fabric.

 

Lamido made the accusations during an interactive session with journalists in Kano, where he also shared his views on the country’s political future and prospects for 2027.

 

“As an example, take Okowa. He was PDP’s vice-presidential candidate. Suddenly, he’s facing charges of N1.3 trillion. Then he joins APC and just like that — no EFCC, no case. Everything is buried,” Lamido said.

 

 

 

The former governor referenced the infamous quote attributed to Senator Adams Oshiomhole: “Once you join APC, your sins are forgiven.” Though Oshiomhole has denied making the remark, Lamido insisted it reflects the current state of affairs under Tinubu’s leadership.

 

He accused the president of deploying divide-and-rule tactics and abusing state power to entrench personal and party interests.

 

“Today, Nigeria is not the country it was 25 years ago. There is no security, no stability, no trust. You can’t have a united country when its components are at odds with each other,” Lamido warned.

 

 

 

2027: Cautions on Coalitions and Calls for Genuine Reforms

 

Speaking on the political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, Lamido said current coalition efforts lack the structure and coherence of the 2014 alliance that birthed the APC.

 

“What we had in 2014 was a coalition of organs — CPC, ACN, ANPP, and PDP defectors. Today’s so-called coalition is a gathering of individuals, no institutional foundation, no clear parameters.”

 

 

 

He emphasized that any coalition seeking to unseat the ruling party must be built on solid ideals such as democracy, unity, stability, security, and prosperity — not on personal ambition, revenge, or vendettas.

 

Defends PDP Loyalty, Decries Internal Hypocrisy

 

Despite the turmoil within the PDP, Lamido reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the party, even as he opened the door to broader political alliances that prioritize national unity and progress.

 

“I remain in PDP. I was made, jailed, harassed, and nearly killed because of PDP. I will not renounce my history, my legacy, my heritage. But I will support any arrangement, within PDP or outside PDP, for a secure Nigeria in 2027.”

 

 

 

Responding to accusations of anti-party activities, Lamido rejected the label, calling out the double standards within the PDP.

 

“If I am fighting for PDP to return to its ideals, how is that anti-party? I was called anti-party in 2023, but what of 2014 when PDP governors defected to form APC? Was that not a mega anti-party action?”

 

 

 

He further criticized PDP members who, while still claiming allegiance to the party, are openly supporting President Tinubu without repercussions.

 

“There are governors and ministers claiming PDP but working for Tinubu. You’re calling me anti-party? Then I will do anti-party to build Nigeria, not to destroy it.”

 

 

 

Lamido concluded by urging the PDP to return to its founding principles of transparency, fairness, and internal democracy, warning that without genuine reform, the party risks irrelevance.

 

“The party lacks the courage to do what is right. If the PDP does the right thing, it can come back stronger. But not with double-dealing leaders,” he said.